This season our Novice Ice Cats started the implementation of Hockey Canada’s/OWHA Player Pathway Development Models.
The OWHA has always promoted the Long-term Player Development (LTPD) model. These Player Pathways are an enhanced addition to the original LTPD document. Hockey Canada (OWHA supported) made these additions under the belief that the program was developed to ensure that the child’s early experiences with hockey are delivered in a safe and positive experience. Both of our Novice Ice Cat teams deserve big kudo’s for our 1st year of the Novice Player Pathway!
All Novice players played half-ice or a max of 100 x 100 until January 15th.
Hockey Canada states that children need to be placed into competitive situations that suit their age-appropriate abilities and it is important to fully understand and appreciate the benefits of half-ice hockey:
- Small spaces equate to more engagement in the play
- Shrinking the playing surface increases offence
- More of a team game is apparent
Development is always important in developing the skills and endurance to play hockey (on-ice practices and dryland). In the Hockey Canada Novice Player Pathway this point is highlighted.